Allergic to deoderant/antiperspirant?

[benjaminbulldog]

Recently, my underarms, especially my left one starting itching like crazy. I've been using the same deodorant for over a year. However, last summer on the weekends I had this problem and it was due to using a new deoderant at my parents.  When I stopped using it my symptoms went away.  However, what I use now I've been using so I'm confused.  Temporarily I am using baby powder in an effort to calm my skin which is working.  The itching is so extreme that I'm afraid to try again.  Are there any deoderant/antiperspirants that you feel are good for people like myself?


This discussion is related to allergic reaction to deodorant?.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without physical examination and investigations,diagnosis is difficult but it can be dry skin(xerosis),contact or allergic dermatitis,seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and allergic reactions to chemicals,wool,soaps,cosmetics and certain foods.
Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).Also use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist to rule out brachioradial pruritis,fungal infections or internal diseases. Hope it helped. Take care.